Brussels, 21/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 21 June, the European Commission sent reasoned opinions to ten member states that have failed to correctly implement Directive 1999/74/EC, which introduces a ban on the use of un-enriched cages for laying hens. Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal still allow the use of un-enriched cages for laying hens despite the ban which came into force in January 2012 for which they have had 12 years to prepare. Sending a reasoned opinion is the second step in the procedure before referral to the EU Court of Justice.
As of 1 January 2012, under the terms of Directive 1999/74/EC, all laying hens must be kept in “enriched cages” with extra space to nest, scratch and roost, or in alternative systems. According to the Directive, cages can be used only if they provide each hen with at least 750 cm² of cage area, a nest-box, litter, perches and claw-shortening devices, allowing the hens to satisfy their biological and behavioural needs. No reasoned opinions were sent to Bulgaria, Latvia and Romania since the Commission is assessing the additional information provided by these countires which state that they are now fully compliant with the rules. (LC/transl.fl)